This book was very sweet, and I’m glad it exists. I’m also glad that it’s gotten a new name and cover with Melissa’s chosen name.

I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Jamie Clayton (Nomi from Sense8), and I definitely recommend it!

With the exception of Melissa’s friend Kelly, who was by far my favorite character, this book had an oddly binary and simplistic view of gender. I think this is mostly because of the young main character and young target audience, but I still think there could have been more nuance in the conversations about gender.

In some ways, this book feels like it’s aimed more at elementary school teachers than it is at trans kids. I think it could definitely be helpful for kids who are questioning their gender or how to come out, but I think some scenes could also potentially be dysphoria-inducing.

I don’t want to discourage anyone from reading it, though, cause I think that Melissa’s Story is overall a very nice little book about a trans girl’s fight to show the people in her life who she really is.